Simon Shaw was recalled by England for his first Test start under Martin Johnson in one of three changes made to the starting side for Sunday's Six Nations international against France.

The Wasps lock, likened to ex-England skipper Johnson by 2003 World Cup winning coach Clive Woodward, replaces Nick Kennedy in the second row while in-form flanker Tom Croft will take over from James Haskell at Twickenham.

Johnson, who resisted the urge to make wholesale changes from the side that lost 14-13 to tournament leaders Ireland in Dublin last time out - England's second straight loss of the tournament after their defeat by Wales - was forced into a switch in his back division.

Ugo Monye replaced wing Paul Sackey, who injured his calf against Ireland.

Kennedy and Haskell dropped down to the bench.

Meanwhile, veteran prop Phil Vickery and replacement scrum-half Danny Care both retained their places despite sin-binnings in Dublin which took England's yellow card count to a punishing 10 in four matches.

The 35-year-old Shaw, renowned as a powerful lock, came off the bench against world champions South Africa in November to win his 50th cap.

Monye, who started all four of England's autumn Tests, suffered a back injury before the Six Nations commenced but is now set to win his fifth cap.

France, revitalised after a win against Wales, are still in contention for their third Six Nations title in four years.

England team to play France in Sunday's Six Nations international at Twickenham (0200 AEDT) kick-off).

Delon Armitage; Mark Cueto, Mike Tindall, Riki Flutey, Ugo Monye; Toby Flood, Harry Ellis; Nick Easter, Joe Worsley, Tom Croft; Simon Shaw, Steve Borthwick (capt); Phil Vickery, Lee Mears, Andrew Sheridan. Res: Dylan Hartley, Julian White, Nick Kennedy, James Haskell, Danny Care, Andy Goode, Mathew Tait

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